By: Disney Destinations
October 18, 2024
There’s no place like Walt Disney World Resort for the holidays! Here’s a look into some of the ways guests can celebrate the holiday season at Walt Disney World – and the best part is they’re all included with a park ticket. So, guests should take note and start making their wish list, because these festive experiences are ones they’ll want to check off twice!
EPCOT
For guests who consider themselves world travelers at heart and crave experiencing holidays from around the globe, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is a must. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 30, 2024, guests can enjoy vibrant decorations and offerings that transform EPCOT into a festive wonderland.
Throughout the World Showcase, guests can listen to lively storytellers as they share holiday legends from around the world! Tales of traditions fill guests’ hearts with holiday cheer while learning about cultural celebrations. Guests can experience the warmth of Las Posadas in Mexico, the joyous spirit of Hanukkah nestled between Morocco and France and the meaningful customs of Daruma in Japan, just to name a few. Plus, guests can enjoy festive cuisine from countries near and far through the Holiday Kitchens ringing culinary traditions to life!
Guests will gather around World Showcase Plaza to witness a beautiful tribute to Christmas and Kwanzaa with Gospel, R&B and holiday songs at “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season.” This high-energy show is one of our favorites every year.
Guests can’t miss the ultimate Walt Disney World holiday fan favorite, Candlelight Processional! Guesrs can experience the moving story of Christmas at the America Gardens Theater, where a celebrity narrator is accompanied by a glorious, massed choir, 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets and even the Voices of Liberty. It’s sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. This year’s narrators, which include Nico Santos and Titus Burgess, are sure to bring extra inspiration!
Guests can surround themselves with glorious lights at Living with the Land, which gets special holiday treatment just for the season. Guests will join the relaxing boat ride and soak in the decorated attraction while learning about foods produced in the greenhouses that play a part in the holiday celebrations around the resort!
And that’s not all! There are plenty more offerings guests can experience this year at Festival of the Holidays.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park offers everything guests need to sleigh the day this holiday season. Starting Nov. 12, guests will join the Merry Menagerie puppeteers at the Tree of Life. Guests can surround themselves with artisan-sculpted wintry animal puppets like reindeer, penguins, and seals…oh my! These delightful animals create the perfect moment to capture unforgettable photos that can be shared with family and friends.
Speaking of photo-worthy moments, while guests are in DinoLand U.S.A., they should make sure to take in the vibrant dinosaur-themed carnival infused with festive cheer. New to this year’s offerings in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Santa is heading to DinoLand U.S.A, specifically Restaurant-o-Saurus! As the guest of honor at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party on the patio, Santa’s invited everyone to join him in this festive new location. Guests can’t miss their chance to meet Mr. Claus from Nov. 12 to Dec. 24.
Mix glee with adventure and join the most beloved characters in their holiday attire. Guests and their whole family can meet Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost!
As night falls, guests will gather their loved ones for the enchanting Tree of Life Awakening. Guests and their families will be captivated by a dazzling display of color and light, where the animal spirits come to life, weaving together an unforgettable experience perfect for little ones before their bedtime.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Starting Nov. 12, Disney’s Hollywood Studios transforms into a place where holiday magic and classic Hollywood energy sync in perfect harmony, while presenting all the nostalgic holiday feels! This year, there are some new entertainment offerings that are taking centerstage.
Guests can jam out to the Holiday Spirit Band on one of their many performance spots and enjoy a hot pretzel surrounded by loved ones. The fun doesn’t stop there – guests should keep an eye out for new festive acts throughout the park, including spirited holiday musicians and juggling elves!
Get ready to be toy-sized in Toy Story Land, where festive fun is larger than life! Guests can grab the whole family and explore Andy’s backyard decked out in dazzling holiday decorations and say howdy to all their favorite Toy Story pals, all dressed up in their holiday finest.
Looking for a chill place where families can sing their hearts out together? Guests should make sure to catch a showing of “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Singalong Celebration” with a special festive finale, featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, and celebratory songs of the season. We guarantee the whole family will be belting the lyrics to every song!
As night falls, guests should be sure to experience the return of “Sunset Seasons Greetings,” where each evening, holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol!”
Magic Kingdom Park
If guests are looking to be immersed in the magic of the holidays, Magic Kingdom Park is the place to be, with festive decorations lining Main Street, U.S.A accompanied by the smell of baked goods filling the air and waving at the Fab 50 Character sculps with their MagicBand+ to experience different holiday reactions.
Families can join Olaf from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen at the castle stage for a “Frozen Holiday Surprise!” During this show, friends from Arendelle ring in the season together and help transform Cinderella Castle into a shimmering crystalized palace – a magical look that remains throughout the evening. Guests can’t forget to rock out your favorite MagicBand+ for additional magical moments throughout the show with dancing lights and haptic vibrations!
And let’s not forget about one of the favorite holiday traditions: Jungle Cruise’s transformation into Jingle Cruise! Starting Nov. 2., guests can experience this wild attraction wrapped with new festive jokes and even more fun memories, something guests of all ages look forward to every single year.
Disney Springs
Whether guests are in the mood for a cozy day or looking for a cheerful adventure, Disney Springs can complete their stay!
Explore the enchanting Disney Springs® Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, where guests can enjoy holiday music while surrounded by Walt Disney Studios, Disney Animation, Pixar, Star Wars and Super Hero themed trees. This year, guests can enjoy stunning displays featuring Mufasa: The Lion King, The Nightmare Before Christmas,Coco, Lilo and Stitch, and more! The best part of it all? MagicBand+ will add some additional holiday magic to the experience.
Guests can’t forget to add enjoying a magical nightly snowfall (yes, in Florida!) and soaking up joyful entertainment with their loved ones to their holiday wish list.
Guests looking to complete their holiday shopping should look no further! Disney Springs has the perfect gift for everyone on their list. Guests should make sure to stop by World of Disney, where they can see all the fabulous holiday collections right before their eyes.
They can also treat their senses to seasonal sips and bites, including delicious offerings at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, the family-friendly waterfront outpost that transforms into its holiday best this time of year!
Disney Resorts Collection Hotels
Special holiday experiences extend beyond the parks!
When guests stay at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel during this festive season, their loved ones can enjoy the uniquely transformed Resort hotels, each featuring grand Christmas trees inspired by the resort’s theme and beloved Disney stories. Wrapped in shimmering ornaments and twinkling lights, these trees create a magical atmosphere and perfect backdrop for family photos. And let’s not forget the beautiful decorations that add even more charm to the scene.
Plus, guests should be on the lookout for holiday treats during their stay — available at select dining locations and shops for a limited time.
One of our favorite parts of the holiday season is exploring the gingerbread displays at several Disney Resort hotels! We love embarking on our own gingerbread crawl, which gives us the chance for a sweet viewing of the beloved tradition. We can’t wait to see what delicious displays the talented cast members will whip up this year. More details will be shared soon!
runDisney:
Whether guests are taking on the running trails at Walt Disney World or getting their miles in around their neighborhood, they can enjoy some holiday magic with the runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas. From Dec. 1 to 31, this festive event offers three virtual 4K races, perfect for sharing the spirit of the season with friends and family.
Each race medal doubles as a holiday ornament, adding an extra touch of cheer. Participants will also receive customizable digital tools, a long-sleeved hooded shirt, a holiday-themed CORKCICLE mug, and more, making it a fun and festive way to stay active this season. Registration is still open. To learn more, visit www.runDisney.com.
Food and Beverage
Season’s eatings to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year! Throughout the resort, guests can treat themselves to holiday bites. Whether they enjoy sweet eats or savory treats, Walt Disney World Resort has something that will fill their fancy!
Santa Claus Sightings this Holiday Season
Tell the kids to start putting together their wish lists because no holiday is complete without meeting the head honcho himself! Although Santa has a busy schedule, there are many opportunities to meet him across the resort this holiday season. Guests can visit My Disney Experience for specific times and locations to meet the one and only on their next visit.
So, guests should get ready to deck the halls as they march into the magic of Walt Disney World Resort this holiday season, where they’ll find a jolly celebration filled with enchantment, joy, and unforgettable memories around every corner!
*All entertainment and offerings are subject to change.
